Songs in the Shade of the Olive Tree

Age range 3 to 7Presented in Arabic, Berber and French, this collection of lullabies and nursery rhymes from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia draws children into a musical journey across North Africa, from the Sahara Desert through the Atlas Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. In 15 songs about everyday life, children learn of the importance of rain, the communal aspects of meals, and the consequences of inappropriate behaviour. This uplifting, enchanting collection features traditional songs performed by women, men and children, and recorded with indigenous acoustic instruments. Capturing the meeting of ancient and modern styles, it's an absolute delight to musical ears. Lyrics are provided in Arabic and translated into English, followed by notes on each song's origin and cultural context. The book includes a QR code to access the songs online.